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Lizards have become increasingly popular as pets over the last few decades due to their unique appearances and relatively low maintenance needs. However, the wide range of species available can make it challenging for beginners to choose the right one. This article will outline the best pet lizards for beginners, highlighting their care requirements, factors to consider before acquiring one, and common mistakes to avoid.
Key Takeaways
- Leopard Geckos are a great choice for beginners due to their docile nature and easy care requirements.
- Bearded Dragons are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them ideal for new reptile owners.
- Crested Geckos require minimal care and are perfect for those new to keeping lizards.
- Blue Tongued Skinks are hardy and easy to handle, making them suitable for beginners.
- Uromastyx lizards are low-maintenance and thrive in austere desert-like environments.
1. Leopard Gecko
Leopard Geckos, better known as “Leos,” is one of the best reptiles for beginners. Their care requirements are basic and straightforward, and they are generally easy to manage. Leos have lively personalities, which makes them fascinating to watch. They come in different colors, patterns, and various morphs that are great for enthusiasts.
Temperament
Leopard geckos are another excellent starter reptile. These adorable little lizards tend to have incredible temperaments because they rarely bite and are typically docile. Also, Leopard Geckos are easy to house compared to other species of lizards.
Size and Lifespan
A leopard gecko is a hardy and peaceful pet ideal for beginners. These geckos are small, typically measuring around 8 to 10 inches, making them easy to handle and care for. They have simple dietary requirements, primarily consisting of live insects.
Housing
Leopard Geckos are easy to house when compared to other species of lizards. A standard leopard gecko tank should be at least 10 gallons for a single gecko. Ensure the tank has a secure lid, as these geckos can be quite the escape artists.
Activity Level
Because they are nocturnal, if your family is active early in the morning or late at night, you will witness their peak activity!
Leopard geckos are a popular beginner lizard, but also a favorite of many seasoned breeders. Find out more about this adorable mini-dinosaur in our guide!
2. Bearded Dragon
Bearded Dragons are friendly and calm, making them great for handling. Hence, they’re especially suitable for beginners as they’re usually quite docile. You’ll rarely find aggressive behavior from Bearded Dragons. However, their nutritional needs and environmental requirements are slightly more complex.
A bearded dragon can reach a length of 24 inches and live for more than a decade. It is one of the best reptiles for handling, as beardies enjoy being picked up. Beardies eat a variety of foods, such as crickets, worms, and vegetables.
Bearded dragons have become increasingly popular reptile pets due to their captivating appearance and interactive personalities. These docile lizards are known for their impressive beard display and gentle nature, making them great companions for beginners. Bearded dragons require a slightly larger enclosure, with appropriate heating, UV lighting, and a varied diet of plant and animal matter.
3. Crested Gecko
Crested Geckos are unique, fascinating, easy to manage, and one of the most famous pet reptiles in the world. Crested Geckos are absolutely beautiful and come in a wide variety of patterns and colors. As more of them are bred, different morphs and pattern variations are created. Their lifespan typically ranges between 15-20 years, so the commitment is lengthy. However, their lifespan can be negatively affected if they’re constantly exposed to stress and improper care.
4. Blue Tongued Skink
Blue-tongued Skinks are one of the best-loved pet reptiles. Generally easy to care for, they’re perfect for beginners. These pet lizards are known for their unique blue tongue. They are medium-sized and grow to a length of 20-25 inches.
Housing Requirements
Blue-tongued skinks are ground-dwellers and burrowers, so they’ll appreciate things to hide under and substrate to burrow in but probably won’t climb very much. Blue-tongued skinks do not require UVB lighting, unlike many other lizard species, but they’ll need dietary Vitamin D3. However, they require heat to digest their meals, with a basking spot at around 95°F.
Diet
Being omnivores, blue-tongued skinks eat a wide variety of food, including vegetables, fruit, and protein from insects, mice, and canned dog food.
Handling and Temperament
Blue tongue skinks are notoriously skittish when you first bring them home. As such, you’d be wise to give them at least ten days to acclimate to their new surroundings before trying to handle them. Also, you MUST provide them with multiple hides so they will feel secure.
Blue-tongued skinks are docile pet lizards that are easily tamed and handled.
Cons
Since blue-tongued skinks grow to be almost two feet long, an adult blue tongue skink will require a minimum of a four-foot-long enclosure. As such, ensure you have the space for such a significant habitat! These lizards are also long-lived, with well-cared-for individuals easily living over twenty years in captivity. They’re more of a long-term commitment than other lizard species.
5. Uromastyx
Uromastyx, also known as spiny-tailed lizards, are a species of agama that hail from Africa and Asia. These hardy, friendly, and docile reptiles are named after their spiky, armored tails, which they use for self-defense in the wild. Their most distinctive feature is their spiny tail. They come in vibrant, striking colors and are usually 10-18 inches long. Depending on the species and locality, uromastyx can grow from 10 to 36 inches long. The most common species, Uromastyx geyri, averages around 13 inches as an adult.
Habitat
Uromastyx comes in 15 different species. Its habitat consists of rough and extremely dry climates, making it quite adaptable. For this reason, it’s generally easy to maintain as a pet lizard.
Diet
Their diet includes fruits, vegetables like leafy greens, and some insects on an occasional basis. Dust their food with multivitamins.
Lifespan
They have a long lifespan of around 15-20 years, but they can live anywhere between 15 and 30 in captivity.
Care Considerations
The high temperature and space requirements of uromastyx are potentially negative aspects that must be considered carefully. They are also a species that may be viewed as a long-term commitment.
Uromastyx, like bearded dragons, are some of the few lizards that seem to genuinely enjoy contact with their owner, which really helps to make them endearing pets.
6. Green Anole
Green Anoles make great pet lizards. They are affordable, small, and known for their eye-catching green color. Insectivores, by nature, need to feed them high-protein insects daily. These creatures are quite fragile and shouldn’t be carried or handled much. They have a short life span of up to seven years. Green Anoles are arboreal and will require vertical climbing setups. Active during the day, they have a fun and curious personality.
Enclosure Requirements
While their enclosure size requirements are modest enough for a dedicated beginner, the 4-foot by 2-foot footprint must be considered. Being the smallest lizard species on our list, a single green anole only requires a 10-gallon aquarium. Multiple lizards may be housed together in a giant terrarium. These little guys love to climb, so height should take priority over width and length. Since green anoles are shy and arboreal, the habitat should have many branches and plants.
Diet and Feeding
These lizards are entirely insectivorous, requiring a steady diet of small, live insects. Their water must be misted onto leaves and other surfaces in the enclosure at least twice a day.
Lifespan and Handling
This anole species typically only lives to be around six years old, making it a great choice if you’re not ready for a long-term reptilian commitment. Given their petite size and fragility, green anoles are best left unhandled. However, they enjoy being hand-fed once they’re accustomed to their owner.
7. African Fat-Tailed Gecko
African Fat-tailed Geckos are one of the lesser-known species. However, they’re peaceful, affordable, easy to manage, require a low-maintenance living environment, and make great pets. As the name suggests, the most distinctive feature is their fat tail. Interestingly, African Fat-tailed Geckos can lose their tail if they get into a fight. However, the cool thing is that it will grow back a completely different color. Another unique feature of these lizards is their functioning eyelids, which shield them from debris.
Diet
African Fat-tailed Geckos are insectivores. Their diet should only consist of insects that are high in protein. You can feed them crickets, canned snails, silkworms, waxworms, and caterpillars. Sprinkle vitamin D and calcium supplements on their food for every second feeding. Additionally, they’re nocturnal reptiles, so they’ll be much more active during the night.
Habitat
African Fat-tailed Geckos can perform well in a 10-gallon minimum tank size. It’s important to create a natural wildlife environment. These pet reptiles require a habitat that absorbs and supports moisture. Use substances like shredded pieces of newspaper, coconut thread, orchid bark. Hide boxes are vital and need to be added to their tank. You can either purchase a ready-made box or build one yourself.
African Fat-tailed Geckos are a great choice for a beginner gecko. Parents should always be involved caring for any pet, until the child is 18 yrs.
8. Argentine Black and White Tegu
The Argentine Black and White Tegu is a very intelligent reptile that can make an excellent pet for those willing to take the time and effort to care for them. These lizards are known for their impressive size and striking appearance.
9. Chinese Water Dragon
Chinese Water Dragons are colorful and attractive reptiles, making them popular for pet owners. They are harmless and become friendlier with regular handling. These arboreal reptiles grow to about 3 feet long and are known for their striking appearance and active nature. To mimic their natural habitat, they require a spacious enclosure with ample climbing and basking areas, a consistent heat gradient, and high humidity levels. Water Dragons are omnivores, so their diet can include insects, pinky mice, vegetables, and fruits.
10. Gargoyle Gecko
Overview
The Gargoyle Gecko, native to New Caledonia, is a popular choice for beginners due to its hardy nature and ease of care. These geckos are known for their unique appearance, featuring bumpy skin and various colors and patterns.
Habitat Requirements
Gargoyle Geckos thrive in a well-ventilated terrarium with plenty of vertical space for climbing. A 20-gallon tank is suitable for a single gecko. Ensure the enclosure has hiding spots, branches, and foliage to mimic their natural environment.
Diet and Feeding
These geckos are omnivorous, enjoying a diet of insects and fruit. Calcium supplements should be added to their diet to ensure proper bone health. Feeding them a commercial gecko diet can also be beneficial.
Temperament and Handling
Gargoyle Geckos are generally docile and can be handled with care. However, they can be skittish, so it’s important to handle them gently and infrequently to avoid stress.
For those interested in a comprehensive guide toward caring of newborn baby gargoyle gecko along with all tips what to do and how to do things, it’s essential to research thoroughly.
Health and Lifespan
Gargoyle Geckos can live up to 15-20 years with proper care. Regular health checks and maintaining a clean habitat are crucial to their longevity.
Breeding
Breeding Gargoyle Geckos can be a rewarding experience. They typically lay two eggs per clutch; the incubation period is around 60-70 days. Proper temperature and humidity levels are vital for successful hatching.
Conclusion
Choosing the right pet lizard as a beginner can be a rewarding experience, provided you are well-informed about each species’ specific needs and care requirements. This article has outlined some of the best lizards for beginners, highlighting their unique features, habitat needs, diet preferences, and overall ease of care. By considering these factors and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure a healthy and happy environment for your new reptilian friend. Remember, thorough research and proper preparation are key to successful lizard keeping. Happy harping!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best pet lizards for beginners?
The best pet lizards for beginners include Leopard Geckos, Bearded Dragons, Crested Geckos, Blue Tongued Skinks, Uromastyx, Green Anoles, African Fat-Tailed Geckos, Argentine Black and White Tegus, Chinese Water Dragons, and Gargoyle Geckos.
What should I consider before getting a pet lizard?
Before getting a pet lizard, consider the species’ care requirements, diet, habitat needs, lifespan, and your ability to commit time and resources to their care.
Are lizards easy to care for?
Some lizards are easier to care for than others. Species like Leopard Geckos and Bearded Dragons are known for being relatively low-maintenance, making them ideal for beginners.
What do lizards eat?
Lizard diets vary by species. Some lizards are insectivores, while others are omnivores or herbivores. It’s important to research the specific dietary needs of your chosen lizard species.
How do I set up a habitat for my pet lizard?
Setting up a habitat for your pet lizard involves providing the right enclosure, substrate, lighting, heating, and hiding spots. Each species has specific habitat requirements, so research is essential.
How often should I clean my lizard’s enclosure?
The frequency of cleaning depends on the species and the enclosure setup. Generally, spot-cleaning should be done daily, with a thorough cleaning every 1-2 weeks.
Can lizards be handled frequently?
Some lizards tolerate handling better than others. Species like Bearded Dragons and Leopard Geckos are known for being more docile and can be handled more frequently. However, handling them gently and not too often is important to avoid stress.
What are common mistakes to avoid when keeping lizards?
Common mistakes include inadequate research on the species’ needs, improper diet, incorrect habitat setup, and neglecting regular cleaning and maintenance. Thorough research and preparation can help avoid these pitfalls.